CT HB05345

Requires homemaker-companion agencies to conduct comprehensive background checks on prospective employees before hiring, effective January 1, 2012, and maintain records available for Department of Consumer Protection inspection.

Requires prospective employees to complete and sign a form disclosing any prior criminal convictions involving violence or dishonesty and any disciplinary actions by licensing agencies; false statements constitute a class A misdemeanor.

Mandates agencies provide written contracts or service plans within seven calendar days of commencing services, including conspicuous notice of the client's right to request changes, confirmation that background checks were performed, and that contracts without specific duration periods can be cancelled at any time.

Allows clients to cancel contracts or service plans at any time if no specific period of duration is stated, and clients are only obligated to pay for services actually rendered.

Prohibits billing clients for excess fees when agencies provide higher-skilled workers than needed, and makes written contracts unenforceable unless they contain all required disclosures and information.